Technology adoption is still positive in the public sector - in spite of the obstacles

But not everyone has gotten the message yet

While data compatibility continues to be a challenge for some organizations, the adoption of data management tools to improve the processes and drive efficiencies isn’t being embraced by all. 

The UK has the highest reported adoption of data management tools. 35% of respondents from this region also report that data compatibility requires wholesale changes, suggesting the process of transformation is straining legacy systems to breaking point. 

Canadian organizations are the least likely to be reporting adoption of data management tools, but are the most likely to report wholesales changes are needed. This suggests this is an area they should be focusing on. It’s also worth noting that Canada have lower adoption levels across most of the technologies compared to the other countries. 

While Canada is by far the most likely to be measuring success by the speed of treatment or service access, they are also looking to make cost savings by cutting citizen or community services. If they embraced and adopt more technology, they might be able to make cost savings without having to jeopardize the citizens they serve.

Data compatibility is a leading challenge for central government

While data compatibility continues to be a challenge for central government, the adoption of data management tools to improve the processes and drive efficiencies isn’t as high as it could be. 

Approaching half (43%) of central government organizations report that wholesale improvements are needed to the compatibility of their data across applications and departments. While half do report they’ve adopted data management tools (either in a major or minor way), that still leaves another 50% who haven’t done so yet.

Improving back office systems to drive efficiencies through the adoption of technology is different depending on the size of the organization.  Even though the smallest organizations felt that data compatibility was an issue they are focusing less on data management tools and real time reporting. They have instead looked to upgrading or replacing legacy systems and cloud migration as a way to improve process and drive efficiencies in their back office systems. For those dependent on systems that simply can’t keep up with the pace of change or the demands of citizens, this may actually be the smarter course of action. Transformation necessarily depends on a firm foundation – and your back office processes and systems are a necessary part of that foundation.

Want to learn more?

For a full appraisal of everything covered in this article – and to learn more about how your peers across regions and the sector are building a foundation for transformation with Unit4 ERP – download our full 2023 public sector State of the Digital Nation Report here.